Tomato Taste features heritage tomatoes

The public can sample tomatoes at Plum Grove on Thursday, Aug. 31.Photo byJCMG

The public is invited to sample tomatoes on Thursday, Aug. 31, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Plum Grove and vote for their favorite in four categories. Tomato jam will also be available to taste. The annual Tomato Taste activity, hosted by the Master Gardeners of Johnson County, is a tribute to heritage tomatoes and Iowa’s long history with food.

Door prizes will be given including a copy of the book "Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World" by William Alexander and Hills Bank gift cards. A suggested $4 donation is requested.

The activity is held at Plum Grove, 1030 Carroll Street in Iowa City.

Should Iowa’s weather not cooperate, Thursday, Sept. 7, has been chosen as a rain date. Please check social media for weather updates.

The historic residence, the home of Robert and Friendly Lucas, was built in 1844. Robert served as the first governor of the Territory of Iowa from 1838 until 1841. Iowa was admitted to the Union as a state on December 3, 1846.

After years of negotiating with the State Historical Society of Iowa that cares for the property, longtime Master Gardener Betty Kelly launched the heritage garden in 1995 as the state planned Iowa’s sesquicentennial. Kelly, who has researched the family, including Friendly’s diaries and letters, and newspapers to identify what people were eating, says every effort is made to be authentic in the garden and for each tasting opportunity.

In addition to Kelly, Master Gardeners Loren and Joanne Leach went to work to establish the first garden. They are joined by a team of Master Gardener volunteers who help plant and maintain the gardens, and plan and host the Tomato Taste.

Today, Plum Grove grounds is host to three gardens: Vegetable (1995), flowers (1998), and a wildflower garden was started in 2000.

Gardens Recognized
Through the years, Plum Grove Gardens have received local, state and national recognition including the first Iowa State Service Award, National Smithsonian Garden Award and an Irving Weber Award. Plum Grove has been a featured garden on the Project GREEN Garden Tour and Open Gardens Weekend.